Rain in the Pacific Northwest. Nothing new. Definitely not unusual. But for today it took on special meaning.

    It’s been several weeks since our last good rain. As the front blew in this morning and the first rain drops fell, I caught the unique smell that rain brings after a long period of dry weather. I’d try to describe it, but I can’t. I only know that you’ve experienced it too. I love that smell... it smells so “fresh.” It always makes me think of how refreshing it must be to the plants to receive the long awaited rains.

    God often describes spiritual things with physical realities. As He does in Hosea 6:3...

“Let us acknowledge the Lord;
    let us press on to acknowledge him.
As surely as the sun rises,
    he will appear.
He will come to us like the winter rains,
    like the spring rains that water the earth.”

“He will come to us ... like the spring rains that water the earth.”

    If you’re anxious for the refreshing Spirit from the Lord, press on to acknowledge Him today. Even though it seems to have been a long, dry time, that refreshing rain is just around the corner. And when He brings it, and He will bring it, let the “fresh smell” of God in your life be a constant reminder of His desire to water your soul!

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you — even Jesus. (Acts 3:19-20)

    Father, bring the fresh rains to our lives today. As we press on to acknowledge you, will you give our souls the water they need to survive and thrive. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

© Copyright 2001, Mark Waltenbaugh. Used by permission.

Title: "Refreshing Rain"
Author: Mark Waltenbaugh
Publication Date: September 22, 2001

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